Charlie Dixon can become the AFL’s No. 1 power forward, says former St Kilda and North Melbourne star Nick Dal Santo

A 300-game AFL legend has boldly declared Port Adelaide big man Charlie Dixon could have a breakout year for the Power in 2020, now that he’s back fully fit and firing.

STRONG STATEMENT: Charlie Dixon monstered the Lions defenders in the round one Marsh Community Series match in Queensland. Picture: CHRIS HYDE (AFL Photos/Getty Images).

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Charlie Dixon is poised to become the best “power’’ forward in the AFL and can lead Port Adelaide to its first finals campaign in three years, according to former star Nick Dal Santo.

After finally shaking off the effects of a badly broken leg which ruined his 2019 season and enjoying his best pre-season, Dixon has hit the ground running in 2020 and Dal Santo believes he is ready for a “breakout’’ year at age 29.

“I love Charlie Dixon,’’ said triple All-Australian Dal Santo, a former ace midfielder with St Kilda and North Melbourne.

“I’ve been shot down a few times by pumping him up, but I think he could have a breakout year this year, despite playing the amount of football that he has.

“I can see him being the best power forward in the game – that’s the category I put him in, as a power forward.

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Charlie Dixon marks strongly at training. Picture: Sarah Reed

He was also impressive against Brisbane in the Marsh Series. Picture: Darren England (AAP)

“I covered his game (for Fox Footy) against Brisbane in Moreton a couple of weeks ago and I loved the way he played.

“He was such a big presence, his body is healthy and with Port needing to play through him I love the opportunities he’s going to have this year.

“I think Port’s the team that is going to jump into the eight and Dixon will play a big part in that.’’

Dixon – an imposing figure at 200cm and 110kg – played just nine AFL games last season (kicking 13 goals) as he fought his way back from a broken leg he suffered against West Coast in Round 21, 2018.

But he has enjoyed a strong summer and kicked 4.3 in the Power’s impressive 21-point Marsh Community Series win against the Lions in Queensland.

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Dixon monstered the Lions defenders in the round one Marsh Community Series match in Queensland. Picture: Chris Hyde (AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Dal Santo said the Power could play finals for the first time since 2017 and be the only change to last year's top eight.

“I like (coach) Ken Hinkley and I know he’s under the pump,’’ Dal Santo said at The Advertiser Foundation AFL season launch on Tuesday.

“If they don’t play finals, ultimately, he’s gone contractually, but I think they are the team that jumps into the eight.

“If you say a team is a puzzle, they’ve got a lot of pieces of the puzzle, they just need to be able to execute better on game days.

“Their inconsistency is a huge issue, but I still think their best is well and truly good enough to play finals.

“They’ve got a few ageing stars and some exciting young players, and with Dixon fit again I think they can do it.’’